Wood has been a popular building material for thousands of years. It can offer a number of advantages; it’s easy to procure, strong, affordable and sustainable. It also looks fantastic and is available in a range of colours, tones and textures.
However, one downside of wood is that it can be prone to degradation. This can be prevented, but it involves providing a level of care. How can you protect your external wooden structures from the elements? Let’s find out.
Keep Your Structures Clean
When it comes to protecting your external wooden structures from the elements, the most important thing you can do is keep them clean. Being outside, these structures can quickly accumulate dirt and grime. It’s important to stay on top of things and prevent things from building up to unmanageable levels.
Whether it’s a wooden fence or a shed, regular cleaning will help prolong the life of the material. Move away any leaves or vegetation that have gathered around the structure, as this can be a breeding ground for mould and bacteria, which can cause wooden structures to rot and degrade rapidly.
Paint Wooden Structures
Another effective way of protecting your outside wood structures against the elements is to paint them. This will give them a protective coating that can keep out moisture, keeping them in good condition for a longer period of time.
Painting has an added bonus in that it makes your wooden structures look much more attractive. You can choose from a range of colours to brighten up your outdoor space and make things more visually interesting.
Use a Wood Preservative
If you’re looking to give your external wooden structures even more protection, use a wood preservative. These chemicals can be applied directly to the wood itself or over paint and will safeguard the material against moisture, bacteria and other harmful pollutants.
You can pick up wood preservative products and other building supplies from Mcblair as an example. Use wood preservatives and your outside structures will last for many years to come, whatever the weather.
Check for Signs of Wear and Tear
Cleaning your structures and using paint and preservatives are important when protecting materials against the elements, but you also need to be proactive and constantly look out for signs of wear and tear.
Small areas of damage can quickly spread, and before you know it you could be faced with a large repair job, or even having to replace a structure entirely. Inspect your structures regularly to prevent this from happening. If you spot any damage, take action quickly before it gets any worse.
Don’t just check areas you can see. You need to inspect the entirety of your structures, including roofs and less accessible spots. Thoroughly and regularly checking for signs of wear and tear is one of the most effective ways to protect your external wood structures from the elements.
Conclusion
To protect your outside wood structures from the elements, keep the material clean at all times, use paint and wood preserver and regularly inspect for signs of wear and tear.
